Boat Fire Leaves Fishermen With Serious Injuries

KANGAR, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- A fisherman sustained serious injuries, suffering 90 per cent burns, while his friend suffered 45 per cent burns after a fibre boat they were inspecting in preparation for a fishing trip exploded and caught fire at Kampung Tanah Baru in Kuala Perlis, last night.

Kangar district police chief ACP Yusharifuddin Mohd Yusop said that police received information about the incident, involving Mohamad Bakri Idham, 54, and another fisherman, Nur Azman Sabu, 45, at 11.55 pm.

He said that Mohamad Bakri is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit, Tuanku Fauziah Hospital (HTF), Kangar, while Nur Azman’s condition has been reported as stable, and he is also being treated at the same hospital.

He added that as the two fishermen were preparing to go to sea, they inspected the boat to ensure that the oil, battery, and equipment were in order. When one of them opened the lid of the battery compartment, an explosion occurred, igniting a fire in the boat.

“The explosion and subsequent fire engulfed both victims, causing severe burns. They were rescued by nearby villagers, who witnessed the incident,” he said in a statement, today.

Meanwhile, Perlis Fire and Rescue Department director Senior Fire Superintendent I Mohd Zaidi Ma'at said that the department received an emergency call about the fire at 11.56 pm, and the firefighting operation concluded at 12.50 am.

-- BERNAMA